Aqara Camera Not Capturing Snapshots? Here's the Fix
Aqara smart cameras, like the popular Camera Hub G3 and G2H, are packed with features, and getting a quick snapshot with your motion alerts is one of the most useful. It allows you to instantly see what triggered a notification without having to open the app and watch a video clip. When this feature fails, it can be a real inconvenience.
This guide will help you troubleshoot the reasons why your Aqara camera might not be sending or recording snapshots, covering both the Aqara app and Apple HomeKit.
## Snapshot Troubleshooting for the Aqara App
If you are using the native Aqara app, your troubleshooting should start here.
- Check Notification Settings: The most common issue is simply a misconfigured setting.
- In your phone's settings: Go to your phone's main settings menu, find the Aqara app, and ensure that it has permission to send notifications.
- In the Aqara app: Open the app and go to your camera's main page. Tap the three dots to enter "Settings." Look for a menu called "Alert Settings" or similar. Inside, make sure that "Push Notifications" are enabled. Some camera models may have an additional toggle for "Rich Notifications" or "Include Snapshot," which must also be turned on.
- Verify Camera is Online and Detecting Motion: Make sure your camera is showing as online in the app. Wave your hand in front of it to confirm that the blue LED flashes, indicating it has detected motion. If it's not detecting motion at all, snapshots won't be triggered.
- Update Firmware: In the camera's settings, find the "Firmware Update" section and check if a new version is available. Firmware updates often contain bug fixes that can resolve issues like this.
- Reboot the Camera: Unplug your Aqara camera from its power source, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This simple reboot can often clear up temporary software glitches.
## Snapshot Troubleshooting for Apple HomeKit
If you use your Aqara camera with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, the settings are managed in a different place.
- Check Home App Notification Settings:
- Open the Apple Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Press and hold on your Aqara camera's video feed.
- Tap the settings icon (a small cog).
- Tap on "Notifications."
- Ensure that the toggle for "Allow Snapshots" is turned on. You can also configure when you receive these notifications from this screen.
- Verify Your Home Hub Status: HomeKit Secure Video requires an active Apple Home Hub (an Apple TV, HomePod, or HomePod mini) to process video. In the Home app, tap the home icon in the top left, go to "Home Settings," and check that your hub is showing as "Connected."
- Check Your iCloud+ Plan: HomeKit Secure Video requires a paid iCloud+ storage plan. Check your Apple ID settings to ensure your subscription is active.
## SD Card and Storage Issues
While snapshot notifications are a cloud-based feature, issues with local storage can sometimes cause unexpected behaviour.
- SD Card Health: If you have an SD card installed, it could be full or corrupted. Try formatting the SD card from within the Aqara app's storage settings. If that doesn't work, remove the card and see if the snapshot notifications begin to work. If they do, the SD card may need to be replaced.
- No SD Card: If you don't have an SD card, the camera is reliant on the cloud. Ensure your Wi-Fi connection is stable, as poor connectivity can prevent the camera from successfully uploading the snapshot image.
By methodically checking your settings in the Aqara app, the Home app, and verifying your device's physical status, you can almost always resolve issues with snapshots not working and get your rich notifications back.